Award-winning British-Ghanaian rapper Sway DaSafo has died at the age of 44.

The London-born artist, whose real name was Derek Andrew Safo, died at his home in Ghana. His death was announced by the MOBO Awards and confirmed by his friend Kash Ahmad. A cause of death has not been announced.

Sway emerged as a significant voice in British hip-hop during the 2000s, building his career independently at a time when UK rap was beginning to gain greater mainstream recognition. After developing his craft through pirate radio, he credited BBC Radio 1Xtra with giving him an early break in 2002.

In 2005, Sway made history when he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards while still unsigned and before the release of his debut album, beating a field that included US rappers 50 Cent and The Game.

His career faced a major interruption in 2010 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Sway underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before going into remission later that year.

He returned to music and went on to achieve some of his biggest commercial success, including ‘Still Speedin’’ and the UK Top 10 single ‘Level Up’ in 2012. During his career, he also collaborated with artists including Ed Sheeran, Akon, Mark Ronson and Childish Gambino.

Beyond his own music, Sway played a role in developing emerging talent through his Dcypha label, working with artists including Tiggs Da Author and KSI. His career also extended into acting, with appearances in Top Boy and the 2012 film The Grind.

At the time of his death, Sway was reportedly working on new music and had celebrated his 44th birthday just days earlier.

Sway and his children. Photo credit: Instagram

Tributes have since been shared across British music. The MOBO Awards said they were proud to have Sway as part of their history, while fellow artists and industry figures have remembered his lyricism, independence and contribution to the growth of UK rap.

No connection has been established between Sway’s previous cancer diagnosis and his death.

Sway is survived by his two sons and twin daughters.

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